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Harry on Portsmouth

Harry Redknapp enjoyed two spells as manager of Sunday's opponents Portsmouth - so who better to give us the lowdown on the men from the south coast ahead of this vital Barclays Premier League clash.

Harry Redknapp enjoyed two spells as manager of Sunday's opponents Portsmouth - so who better to give us the lowdown on the men from the south coast ahead of this vital Barclays Premier League clash.

He knows we will be in for a tough task against last season's FA Cup winners, who currently sit three points ahead of us in the table.

So as we go looking for our first win in six league games, Harry has emphasised the importance of the game for both clubs.

"It will be a tough game because they've got good players and they're a big, strong side," he said. "They've got pace down the flanks, the two centre-halves are strong, they've got a fantastic goalkeeper in my opinion, and Peter Crouch up-front is always a threat, so they're strong and they'll be difficult to beat.

"We need the points, but they have also slipped into trouble and are not out of it. It's a big game for both clubs.

"Our form over the last 12 or 13 games has still been top half of the table form, but it's just slipped after such a fantastic start. We've got a tough run-in so we've got to start making sure we start picking up some points."

However, much of the build up to this fixture has unfortunately revolved around off-the-field matters. So Harry has taken this opportunity to send out a clear message to fans.

"Just to come and get behind your team on Sunday because we need all the support we can get this week. Nobody wants to hear any obscene or abusive chanting from our fans at all.

"We all saw at Portsmouth in September just how the police are looking upon this issue, and we don't need this in football. It's not part of football, it's not part of sport, and it's not part of life in my opinion.

"Just come and enjoy the game, why do people have to spoil that? Most of our fans are fantastic and we have great support, but it's just a small minority who let the Club down that day in September.

"Hopefully they've learned their lesson and we won't hear any more of this. It's not right and there's no place for it in football."